Mealin battles it out on the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit

The final round of the 2015 Duo BRDC Formula 4 Championship came to an end last weekend (26th/27th September) down in Kent on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit.

As normal qualifying kicked off in fine style on Saturday morning in glorious conditions with the times being the closest they have been all season. Mealin knew he had to make this one count and qualified 11th, just 0.150 of a second to the front row.

For the start he was on the inside into turn one so providing Mealin got a clean get away which he did he could theoretically stay out of any trouble. Normally the Indy circuit is very hard to overtake on with everyone being so consistent it makes the driver’s job even more challenging, and more importantly shows you have to have a strong mind. At the mid-way stage Mealin caught the driver ahead napping and slipped through into 10th at turn 3 (Graham Hill). From then on really it was a bit of a traffic jam until the flag.

Race 2 began on Sunday morning with once again blue skies and warm sunshine welcoming everyone in to watch. This time starting in 10th, with another clean get away he started his attack and made up a position into turn 2 at the top of the hill (Druids). Then a few laps later caught and passed immediately Will Palmer, what was to come was a wheel to wheel position swapping lap after lap battle for at least half of the race. The two we’re battling nearly every corner every lap… (which you can view on(www. itv.com/iplayer). Eventually Palmer did come out ahead, but Mealin gave it everything he had and everything the car had. As the clock counted down he came home in 9th, at least it’s always a positioned gained from the starting position.

Onto the finale and what sadly had to come to an end before it really got going. Mealin made the best start of his weekend making up 2 places going into turn 1 (Paddock Hill). Later on that lap approaching the left – right of (Surtees) he got caught out by some oil left on the racing line and mid-way through clearways was hit from behind, pushed into a spin and then colliding with 2 other cars.

Now with a few words from Chris, “Obviously a very disappointing end to what has been another incredible year for so many reason’s. I’ve learnt so much over the past 6-7 months with Lanan Racing, ok we didn’t succeed in what we went out to achieve but still to come away with 2 wins and so nearly a 3rd earlier this summer, and the only other driver in the campaign to lead the Championship apart from the winner. I have to say a HUGE thank you to everyone involved who’s helped me through this and supported me. Lanan Racing for giving me this opportunity to show the world what I can do. Also my manager Tim Sugden, my trainer Stewart Wild, family, friends and to the couple of sponsors behind the scenes that helped me!